Archive for category: Runes

Raido speaks to us of the ending of a journey. Whether it is the journey within or a physical journey you embarked on, you now can see the value in your efforts. Raido reminds us that the path we walk in life is a journey of the body, a journey of the mind, and a journey of the soul. Each (body, mind or soul) may respond to stimuli differently, but they are all separate aspects of the entirety of the self. The body provides the stimulus for the mind. The soul directs the mind to a higher course. The mind incorporates the stimulus of the body and the directives of the soul to create the journey of life.

Communication is another meaning assigned to Raido. It’s not chance that Radio uses the same letters – in fact the only change is the transposition of the i and the d. The radio is the ultimate symbol of modern communication. I doubt that Mr. Marconi ever thought we’d have wireless internet, but he sure had vision and created a medium that has evolved to allow us just that luxury. However, Raido normally means the communication at issue is that with the inner self. Rarely does it include outside communications coming to you that are of import to the inner self, but primarily this is a rune of introspection.

Within its construct, Raido contains Wunjo (joy). Raido invites us to find the joy of going within ourselves. Raido invites us to continue on the journey of the Cycle of Initiation. Through communication with our inner voice, our inner self, our universal essence, we achieve a state of internal joy that need not be tended to by others. We become joyful within ourself. Raido can indicate a period of aloneness where we have to focus on our internal self, distancing ourselves from those who have influence over us. Hence the journey.

The wisdom of Raido is to continue on your journey of growth and connection with the inner self. You may have to face some of your greatest fears. You may have to open the musty closets of your memory and allow yourself the healing journey of reviewing the past for it’s lessons before gently letting go of the negative associations while remembering the learning and growth received.

Raido reminds us that all good things come to he (or she) who waits. Raido cautions patience. As we understand ourselves better we have to incorporate the lessons as we walk our path. Patience grants great rewards to those who learn her lesson. To learn the lesson of patience one must travel within to find their center. Without that centering, patience can turn into stagnation. Be receptive, but remember movement is required for the journey to continue. Make a forward step. Be daring. Find your inner journey to guide your outer steps.

Raido – Journey

Raido belongs to the Aett of Freyr

Key Word(s): A journey, riding, communication, motion, travel, and wheel are all key words associated with Raido.

Element: The elements of water and air are both aligned with this rune. Remember that water teaches us to go with the flow, while air reminds us to leave space for growth, change and development.

Zodiac Sign: The duality of Raido (remember, it takes “two” for communication to occur – a sender must send to a receiver who receives) is signified by the alliance with Gemini, the Zodiac sign of the Twins.

Tarot Link: With its requirement of an inner journey and communication with the inner (some call higher) self, it is no surprise to see that it is the Hierophant to whom Raido is aligned.

Color: Raido, communication, is associated with the color red.

Polarity: Raido is the active force of communication…the sender…the masculine polarity in the communicative act.

Healing Property: With it’s allegiance to travel, Raido lends its considerable healing energy best to the legs and gluteal muscles. As you are walking out the pins and needles in your legs from riding too long in your car which has shocks and a passenger compartment and fully padded ergonomically designed seat, imagine what the poor horseman who spent all day in the saddle must feel.

Modern Letter Counterpart: Raido’s modern counterpart is the letter R.

Special Runic Associations: Raido is the Eleventh Rune in the Cycle of Initiation. Through the communication with the inner self which results in the journey of the soul, we prepare ourselves for the future we are now creating.

Othila speaks to us on both an earthly plane and the plane of spirit. Othila brings the bounty of the universe to us, but asks that we take appropriate action in order for that to happen. If Othila has been cast in your spread, it is wise to work with his powerful energy.

Othila speaks of new experiences coming to you. Although they come to you, you have to remember to reach out and embrace them. Whether it is the
bounty of financial security or the fulfillment of finding a new approach to our thinking, Othila speaks loudly. Othila may be indicating an older person (normally a family member) is having too much control over you. On the other hand, Othila may be warning you that you aren’t taking the counsel of others strongly enough. These truly are two sides of the same coin.

The change Othila brings could be that of the physical residence. Othila may be telling you it’s time to have a couple of garage sales (or sell it on e-bay) and clear out the old stuff so you can start anew. Othila speaks strong of home, property, real estate and land. Referred to as the Rune of acquisition and benefits it is thought to have special help for those in the fields of caring for the treasures of history. For example, the Director of Acquisitions for a Museum would do well to study Othila’s energy. Then again, the Mom getting ready to go to the grocery store may do well by doing the same thing!

Othila speaks to us of our spiritual nature too. Othila asks if we are being true to the nature within, or are we becoming a physical hoarder because we are afraid of being without? Along with the spiritual lessons carried with Othila are the generational issues it represents. It may well be time to “break ranks” with the family’s status quo if it no longer fits who you are. Shake loose old ways of doing things and look at the new innovations out there. Just because it worked for Grandpa and Grandma doesn’t mean there might not have been a better idea since then. However, Great-Grandma’s old sugar scoop works just as good now as it did when she got it new. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater, but when you’ve checked to make sure the bucket is empty except for the dirty water, throw out the dirty water, rinse out the bucket and get ready to move on to the next phase.

Your life is what you make it. Sometimes we work very hard to achieve something and the achievement leaves us empty and we continue on scrabbling for that which fulfills us. Othila reminds us to look to our foundation. Is it supporting us, lifting us and allowing us to reach new heights, or, is it an anchor holding you stagnant in old ways of thinking and believing. As we change and grow in our lives we constantly need to evaluate our spiritual and physical paths to ensure we hold true to our internal compass.

Othila – Separation

Othila is one of the runes in the Aett associated with the Norse God Tyr.

Key Word(s): Separation. Protection. Financial help. Inherited property. Inheritance. Native land and home.

Element: Othila is aligned with the elements of earth and fire. Othila reminds us of the roots to our home, our parents and our ancestors. For more of our history than not, mankind has gathered in communal groups at the hearth (remember, a bonfire party is really just a gigantic extension of the communal band or family hearth) to eat and commune with his fellows. With the hearth of rock (earth) and the warmth of heat (fire) man grew into a social animal and realized his spiritual conscience.

Zodiac Sign: With its direct association to long term money matters and the inheritance of either money, societal or familial attitudes, Othila is linked with the astrological sign of Capricorn.

Tarot Link: The Tarot link aligned with Othila is The Moon. With her hidden aspects and long-range associations, the Moon is the perfect comparison for Othila’s spiritual course.

Color: The colors of yellow and ochre, the colors of fire and earth, are associated with Othila.

Polarity: Othila is male in its aspect, it is an active rune. Othila calls you to action, begs you to overturn old ways of being and asks you to sift through the sands of your history and save the precious kernels while allowing the chaff to fall to the wayside.

Healing Property: Othila has been believed to help those who are suffering from diseases rooted in the genetics of the person. We cannot change our DNA pattern, but we can accept that as a growing spiritual and physical being that change is a very essential part of our nature.

Modern Letter Counterpart: Again, the powerful association of Othila is easily seen in it being aligned with two vowels: O or E.

Special Runic Associations: Othila is the second Rune in the Cycle of Initiation with the words and benefits of Separation, Retreat, and Inheritance Othila allows us to move into a position of strength. Othila is one of the runes in two of the Runic Groupings. It holds places in both the protection and financial help groupings, confirming it’s association with fiscal issues and protection of the inner self.

Nauthiz is a rune of challenge to the self. We each have our own dark little places, doors in our minds that we have closed and not allowed the contents of the mental room the benefit of fresh air and sunshine. Nauthiz shines a bright light into those rooms, granting the opportunity to dispense with that which binds us to our lesser self. Through Nauthiz we learn the realization that many times when we shut those doors there are issues left untended. When Nauthiz appears in your runes it is sure that you are going to be challenged on an intimate level.

Nauthiz gives the same challenge of the Oracle of Delphi: “Know Thyself.” Nauthiz cautions you to rethink your current plan. Nauthiz cautions you to look within yourself and to be honest about your capabilities before you set yourself up for a situation to allow failure to occur. It is difficult to accept the blessings of Nauthiz at times; but it truly is a blessing come to light.

Nauthiz warns that restraint is the best course of action. Charging in where angels fear to tread just might get your feathers singed! Nauthiz cautions you to think before acting. Do the research yourself. Don’t rely on the work of others because you truly are not in control or mayhap even aware of the depth or breadth of the situation at hand. Look inside yourself. Are you fooling yourself into a corner because you refuse to see the truth of a situation? Are your rose colored glasses getting in the way of reality – which is so much better when viewed with clarity and discernment.

This Rune is sometimes referred to as “the great teacher.” Nauthiz allows us the opportunity to truly look deep within, open up all those doors in the hallways of our minds, and let the healing light of sun, the freshness of the breezes of the air, and the honesty to our own self allow us to open the door wide to a better understanding of whom we truly are. Caution of over estimation of your abilities cannot be overstated. If Nauthiz has shown up in your spread, it may be telling you to wait until the complete lesson is learned before acting!

On the physical plane, Nauthiz reminds us to keep our word – to pay off old debts and restore our personal harmony with the universe. If complete healing cannot take place, at least steps in that direction are a long way on the road to happiness. If we can’t completely pay things off, make arrangements, focus on removing the debt from your life so you are open to receive the bounties the
universe provides.

Are you trying to push forward a project without doing the appropriate background work? Are you relying too heavily upon the efforts of others and not enough on yourself? Are you allowing the terrors of your past and of your mind to restrain you from achieving the heights you desire? All these questions point to how Nauthiz tells us to go within and “Know Thyself.”

Nauthiz – Constraint

Nauthiz is a member of Hagal’s Aett.
(Sometimes seen as Nauthis.)

Key Word(s): Constraint, need, necessity, pain, lessons, hardship and learning.

Element: The receptive polarity of female energy is the challenge of Nauthiz. Be receptive to that which you need to accept, let go of, or change.

Nauthiz is aligned with the Planet Saturn who hides secrets within its many rings.

Tarot Link: Nauthiz is linked with the Tarot card of The Devil. One of the more prominent symbolisms of this card is that one is chained by one’s feelings or belief. In the traditional depiction of the card there is a couple depicted as being chained to the devil, but the chains are loose enough to be removed. The couple remain “chained” because they do not see (or are unwilling) that they have the ability to unchain themselves.

Color: Black is the color most normally associated with Nauthiz. We have to enter into the blackness, into the deep well of the inner self to answer the challenge represented by this Rune and its association with the color black.

Polarity: Feminine energy is at work here. Nauthiz is asking you to be receptive to the knocking of the doors within your mind so that you will open them and set yourself free.

Healing Property: Nauthiz is considered to carry healing properties for issues relating to the arms.

Modern Letter Counterpart: Nauthiz, not surprising, is most closely associated with the modern letter N.

Special Runic Associations: Whenever Nauthiz appears in a casting it is wise to look at the surrounding runes in the cast for help in identifying the matter Nauthiz addresses. Nauthiz is the fifth rune in the Cycle of Initiation. Nauthiz is the lesson that without hurt we would not truly understand the importance of joy. Nauthiz speaks of personal constraint. Nauthiz tells us we cannot advance further in our cycle without accepting the pain of growth and change to provide the foundation for future joys to grow within our lives and minds.

Laguz is the flow of water. Water moves from the mountain rivulet to the brook, stream, to the lake, outflows to the creek, which passes to the river, and ultimately out to the oceans. Water flows, fluid, adjusting it’s course to the path of least resistance. Learning the meaning of “going with the flow” is what Laguz challenges you to do.

When riding white water rapids you are placed in one of the ultimate “go with the flow” positions. If you don’t read the water right and use the force of the flow of the water to your advantage, you can be lost in the waves. Capsized you flounder, gasping as the flow pushes you under. Remember you are the master of your craft. Your guidance on the prow or paddle is what directs your craft, your life, forward.

Laguz reminds us we need to connect with the energies around us and use their flow to our advantage. Just as the white water can spill you in your kayak, it can create the force to turn the miller’s wheels which ground the wheat. Water wheels are still used today to generate power. Water wheels are a perfect example of learning how to use the flow of the energies around you to your advantage. Take the analogy inside yourself. Where can you use the flow of the energy of the universe to help create the life you hope for.

Travel, normally to another continent, is indicated here. If Laguz shows up in your spread you can look forward to a physical journey, especially over water. But don’t forget the journey within, the flow of the personal self that Laguz calls you to undertake. Laguz challenges you to look around. Are you tied down to an anchor so that the ebb and flow of life move around you as if you were a rock upon the strand? Do you float endlessly upon the foam like so much flotsam, aimless, at the will of the flow? Either extreme displays a lack of control and improper use of energy flows. Rather than floating aimlessly like flotsam you should be charting your course, using the currents within the water to help speed you on your way. Use this same theory in your emotional
advancement and the happiness you create will be strong and solid.

Going with the flow also includes not going to fast. If you outstrip the current you are moving too fast, not seeing all that is about you. Your forceful intent for movement negates the flow of the river. Don’t negate the flow of the energy of the Universe in your life. Open yourself to the receptive energy of Laguz, allow yourself to open up to the flow of the universal energy. As we are all made up of stuff of the stars, the ebbs and flows of tides from the moon, the turn of the Milky Way across the night sky, the energy of the universe is there for all of us to use.

Some aspects of the hippy culture of the ‘60s weren’t all bad – “go with the flow” is one of them that really has merit!

Laguz – Flow

Laguz belongs to Tyr’s Aett.

Key Word(s): Flow, fluidity, lake, water, and sea.

Element: Laguz, asking you to go with the flow, is aligned with the element of water.

The Moon with its strong pull on the waters of the earth as is evidenced by our tides, is the planet most closely aligned with Laguz.

Tarot Link: In the Tarot Deck Laguz is best represented by the Star, the card of meditation, hope, faith and inspiration.

Color: The green of the waters is the color associated with Laguz. Sea-foam green, the deep green of still waters, the bright green of water (which is not flowing) with algae growing strong.

Polarity: To be receptive to go with the flow, one must use feminine energy, no matter what their gender.

Healing Property: With its association with liquid, Laguz is used in healing issues that deal with the kidneys.

Modern Letter Counterpart: Laguz is most closely associated with our modern letter L.

Special Runic Associations: Laguz is a member of the Emotional Healing and the Financial Help Runic Groupings.

Jera is associated with the harvest; with the rewards of efforts diligently applied and purposefully acted. As the farmer prepares the soil; plants the seed, and waters, fertilizes, and cares for the growing plant he is building latent Jera energy that will spring forth for him in the fall at the Harvest. This is the energy of Jera.

Many forget that many of the northern European tribes were far more agriculture than war-like. The Vikings even had farmers who grew plants in plots for harvest for the general good. Farmers in many ancient cultures were held in high regard for they brought forth the bounty of the earth in a controlled and regular manner. In our modern age where we pop into a restaurant or head to the grocery store, we forget that the flour we buy had to be planted, tended, harvested, shelled, ground, and, in the case of white flour, bleached. Farmers were the providers of food; warriors were the providers of glory. Both very important in the Viking culture where one truly could not survive without the other.

Jera also talks about being receptive and open to the flow of life. If you have not received your harvest mayhap Jera is challenging you to look inside yourself. Did you do the appropriate work to make the harvest a possibility? Did you prepare the soil? Did you plant the seeds? Were you patient to wait for the seeds to grow to their full potential? Jera tells you to go within yourself to discover the true reason you can’t achieve the joy you want because Jera tells us that the joy lives within you.

Jera signifies happy and total completions. Ending and moving forward is a natural part of life. Whether the ending is a relationship, a thought process, a job, or attitude, with Jera the ending is one that will set you upon the right path for your new future.

Jera is aligned with the mighty oak tree. The oak has been held sacred by many tribal or earth based belief systems, believed to hold knowledge and wisdom in its ancient branches.

Jera is associated with the number twelve. If you are looking for a “time estimate” for the issue of the casting Jera gives you a factor of twelve. Twelve is the number of months in a year, so that is the first association that should be looked at for timing.

Another of the Runes that is right-side-up no matter which way it faces, Jera is not assigned a “reversed” meaning. Jera speaks of the true opportunities that we can now see from the new understanding of our self and how we interact with the world around us!

Jera – Harvest

Jera is a member of Hagal’s Aett.

Key Word(s): Harvest, bounty, fruitfulness, the annual twelve month cycle.

Element: Jera, so strongly aligned with harvest and the bounty of growth is aligned with the element of the earth from which the harvest comes forth.

Zodiac Sign: Jera is associated with the Sun Sign of Virgo.

Tarot Link: Jera is linked with the Tarot card The Fool. This association shows us the new beginnings that must be contemplated when Jera arrives. The Fool is ready to start his new journey – Jera is telling you to look ahead again because you have closed the old projects.

Color: Like many of the Runes Jera is equated with the color blue…the bright blue of the afternoon sky.

Polarity: Jera represents both male and female polarity. The earth is receptive, the seed is penetrating. As the earth feeds the seed the seed grows. Without the gentle receptive energy of the earth, the seed falters and dies; and, without the energy stored in the seed, the earth remains barren. Truly the harvest is a time when the application of both polarities is most aptly applied.

Healing Property: Appropriately, this rune is thought to hold special healing properties for those who have gastrointestinal problems. (It should be noted that the “harvest” was mainly concerned with the gathering of grains, vegetables and fruits; modern doctors recommend more fruits and vegetables and whole grain foods for those with gastric issues.)

Modern Letter Counterpart: Jera has an association with the letters G, J, and it’s strength is verified by it also holding an association with a vowel – Y.

Special Runic Associations: Jera is the Harvest rune and speaks not only of the harvest of crops, but also the harvest brought by personal efforts. Hence, this rune is one of the runes present in the Financial Help grouping.